The UK coalition government's tax policy on capital gains tax remains riddled with uncertainty, although a 40% or 50% hike is on the cards. In the meantime, before changes are enforced there are short-term opportunities to be exploited, according to an expert.

David Kilshaw, head of private client advisory at accountant KPMG, said there are options available to maximise gains before a rise is enforced, which is likely to take effect either on June 22 or at the start of the next tax year on April 6 2011.